Builders recently filed plans on several streets, including Cupidity Drive, Fourberie Lane, and Avidity Place in a condo development on Mount Manresa,
a former Jesuit retreat on Staten Island. Sound odd? That’s because the names are all synonyms for deception and greed: Cupidity means “a strong desire for money;” fourberie is “deception;” and avidity is “consuming greed.” Staten Island borough president James Oddo picked the derogatory names after losing a battle to developers about building on the site. Although the developer, the Savo Brothers, issued a complaint, a State Supreme Court judge granted permission in February for Oddo to name the streets as he pleased. Oddo later tweeted:
“The fact is that the names chosen are auricularly pleasing and historically illuminative.” — yours truly #streetnamelawsuit
— Jimmy Oddo (@HeyNowJO) February 11, 2016